Modular Workpiece Processing Cells With Data-Driven Robot Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing production systems lack the flexibility to adapt machining processes to different products efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular production system comprising robot, workpiece carrier, and machining modules, each equipped with supply and communication interfaces for modular coupling, enabling flexible handling and processing of workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular production system with standardized interfaces is implemented, then adaptability to different products is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple interface types and coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal supply interfaces and communication interfaces that can be used across different working modules (robot module, workpiece carrier module, machining module). These standardized interfaces allow the same interface design to serve multiple functions and multiple modules, reducing the need for custom interface designs for each module type while maintaining high adaptability to different products and processing requirements
2Ease of operation
If working modules are equipped with supply interfaces and communication interfaces for modular coupling, then ease of coupling and decoupling is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional interface components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the supply interface and communication interface into integrated connector assemblies that are built into the working modules. This merging of multiple interface functions into unified connector designs simplifies the coupling and decoupling operations, as operators deal with integrated units rather than separate components, while the internal complexity is encapsulated within the module designs
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interfaces are designed to enable self-explanatory coupling and decoupling operations. The interfaces incorporate features that guide proper alignment and connection without requiring complex procedures or specialized knowledge, allowing operators to perform coupling and decoupling tasks independently and efficiently
3Productivity
If data carriers with processing data are assigned to each working module, then productivity is improved through automated data processing, but device complexity increases due to data management systems
Solution Approach 1:
Each working module is equipped with its own data carrier containing processing data specific to that module. The robot controller automatically reads and processes this data without requiring manual intervention or complex centralized data management systems. The modules essentially manage their own data requirements autonomously, improving productivity through automation while keeping the data management system relatively simple and distributed
4Adaptability or versatility
If the robot module handles workpieces with coded processing data, then adaptability to different workpiece types is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase for data coding and reading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses data carriers that contain coded information about workpieces and processing requirements. Instead of requiring direct physical measurement or identification of each workpiece feature, the system uses data copies (coded information) that represent the workpiece characteristics and processing parameters. This approach enables high adaptability to different workpiece types while avoiding the need for complex real-time measurement systems, as the coded data provides sufficient information for proper handling and processing
Data Source
AI summary
Production system for processing workpieces, having a robot module, a workpiece carrier module and a machining module, all of them being working modules, wherein each of said working modules includes an interface surface, the interface surface having a supply interface and a communication interface, wherein the robot module includes a robot and a robot controller for handling workpieces, wherein the workpiece carrier module includes a plurality of workpiece locations for receiving unmachined and finished workpieces, wherein the machining module includes a processing system for carrying out at least one processing operation on at least one workpiece; wherein a data carrier is assigned to each of the working modules, which a data carrier stores processing data, the processing data including a transfer position for workpieces and being coded for processing in the robot controller of the robot module.